The funniest One Piece arc is a filler arc

Each arc in One Piece takes audiences on a journey through a wide range of genres, as fans of the series have come to expect. While the show primarily revolves around adventure and comedy, it ultimately delivers a diverse and encompassing experience that touches upon every genre.

In addition to providing enjoyable experiences in their respective genres, both the canon and filler arcs are equally impactful. While the Marineford arc delivered a dramatic story centered around the bond between Monkey D Luffy and Portgas D Ace, the filler arc of Reverse Mountain also showcased a touching relationship between Laboon and the Rumbar Pirates without holding back.

However, when it comes to comedy, the majority of fans favored an unexpected filler arc. This was the G-8 Marine base arc, which introduced the well-known character Condoriano and showcased all of the Straw Hat Pirates in various humorous situations that left the audience in stitches.

Why G-8 is the funniest One Piece arc, despite being a filler

Luffy (left) messing with a Marine officer as seen in the One Piece arc (Image via Toei Animation)

The G-8 One Piece arc is a filler arc that takes place after the Straw Hat Pirates’ return from Skypiea island. However, upon their descent, they accidentally landed inside the heavily guarded Marine base, G-8, as they were unable to see their destination. In order to avoid detection by the Marine officers, they quickly scattered into smaller groups and abandoned their ship.

The Marine base was renowned for its reputation as an impenetrable fortress, with its sole exit blocked by a towering mountain. Despite this obstacle, the captain of the crew, Monkey D Luffy, and the cook of the crew, Vinsmoke Sanji, attempted to escape in a reckless manner. As fans would anticipate, Luffy’s priority was to secure sustenance rather than gather intelligence on a potential escape route.

Sanji and his companion successfully infiltrated the base’s kitchen and assumed the identities of the cooks. During their mission, Sanji became smitten with one of the cooks, Jessica, who was later revealed to be the wife of both the base commander of G-8 and the vice admiral, Jonathan.

Zoro (left) and Nami (right) as seen in the One Piece arc (Image via Toei Animation)

Zoro, true to form, became lost and attempted to locate his fellow crew members unaware that he was being watched by Marine officers. During his search, he stumbled upon a building where Nami was disguised as a janitor. She reprimanded him and they both fled together.

As a result, they parted ways. Just then, Commander Shepherd arrived at the base, furious because of the rain, and insisted on meeting the Commander in charge. When his request was denied, he proceeded to search on his own and ended up getting ambushed by Robin.

Usopp (left) and Robin (right) as seen in the One Piece arc (Image via Toei Animation)

Upon awakening, he found himself locked up in jail with Usopp and Zoro, both of whom had been captured by the Marines. Shepherd insisted on being released, citing his position as a Marine Commander.

At this point, Usopp referred to him as Condoriano and addressed him as if he were a fellow member of their team. He appeared perplexed and continued to issue demands until Zoro intervened with a headbutt.

Chopper as seen in the One Piece arc (Image via Toei Animation)

Despite being chased by Marine officers, Chopper was not seen as a pirate but rather mistaken for a lucky tanuki. He managed to reach the medical ward of the base where he attempted to assist the injured Marines by pretending to be a doctor.

As he continued his task, Nami appeared beside him. She had lost Zoro, as expected, and was pretending to be a nurse. Eventually, the Straw Hats regrouped and were faced with the daunting task of escaping from thousands of Marine officers.

Together with Sanji, Luffy, and Zoro, Usopp utilized the Dials he had obtained from Skypiea Island to generate an explosion, mirroring the Thousand Sunny’s Coup de Burst. This allowed the Straw Hats to successfully leap over the mountain and survive.

Fans’ Reaction to G-8 One Piece Arc

Sanji showing the Marine chefs how to cook (Image via Toei Animation)

The G-8 One Piece arc is widely praised by fans as one of the best filler arcs in the series, largely due to its comedic elements. Many viewers even wished for it to be considered canon, as its quality rivals that of some canon arcs.

Additionally, a different fan mentioned the scene in which Sanji educated the Marine chefs on how to make the most of every ingredient. When Luffy and Sanji sneak into the kitchen in disguise as cooks, Jessica insults Sanji’s culinary skills, sparking a clash between him and the Marine chefs. The chefs, determined to prove themselves, used all of their finest ingredients to create 100 extravagant dishes.

Sanji followed behind, making use of all the discarded ingredients from the chefs and creating a dish that not only received praise from the chefs but was also delivered to the commander as a meal. Regrettably, it was Luffy who was tasked with delivering the meal, leading to yet another chaotic event.

“G-8 Arc was so good, it should’ve been canon. LOL. My favorite One Piece filler arc.”a fan claimed

“My favourite one piece episode’s are 196-206 aka the g-8 arc. It was just so freaking enjoyable to watch. I laughed wayy too much watching it. Easily one of the best arcs in one piece. Everything was perfect in it, literally. Miss that soo much. If u have watched it, ykwim (you know what I mean).”added another one

“When Sanji schooled the entire G-8 marine kitchen”said another one

A fan observed that the G-8 One Piece arc showcased the highest level of humor in the series, surpassing even the post-time skip arcs. This may hold some truth, as after the timeskip, the Straw Hats were unable to engage in their usual spontaneous antics and instead had to prioritize their journey.

One fan challenged the outdated notion of skipping the G-8 and Skypiea arcs in One Piece. Previously, fans would advise against watching these arcs, with some believing that Skypiea offered no significant lore (which was proven false) and that G-8 was simply filler. However, the fan now encourages current viewers to watch these arcs at all costs.

A curious fan posed an intriguing question about the potential inclusion of this One Piece arc in the upcoming One Piece remake. While there has been no official announcement about this particular arc, it is possible that the remake will focus on the most essential arcs of One Piece in a condensed manner.

“G-8 Arc really is the best One Piece filler. The pacing, the story, the tension, the Metal Gear Solid situations characters get put through, the 4D Chess plays, and the humor. Especially the humor. Something Pre-Timeskip One Piece does better.”one fan claimed

“If youre starting the one piece trek, i have one word of advice. DO NOT LISTEN TO THE COMMUNITY AND WATCH THE WeYPIEA ARC, AND G-8 FILLER! HOLY F*CK THEYRE SO GOOD!”added another one

“The real question is will The One Piece have the G-8 arc”added another one

Condoriano (Commander Shepherd) as seen in the One Piece arc (Image via Toei Animation)

A fan expressed their desire for the inclusion of this arc in the upcoming second season of the One Piece live-action series. Although this particular arc did not delve into much lore, it did contain one of the most comedic moments in the series. Its inclusion could potentially have a significant impact on the success of the live-action.

One more fan showed their admiration for Condoriano (also known as Shepherd), who is widely regarded as the most famous filler character. Some believe that he played a crucial role in helping the Straw Hat Pirates escape from the G-8 navy base.

The Marines confused (left) and Sanji embarrassed (right) (Image via Toei Animation)

Finally, one fan pointed out a particularly comedic moment from this One Piece arc. Once Sanji and Luffy had made their escape from the kitchen, they arrived at the jail where Zoro and Usopp were being held captive. Usopp insisted that Sanji use the Dial attached to the jail door, which would forcefully break it open.

Despite Sanji’s enthusiastic press, the Dial only played a recording from Usopp. The confused Marines looked on as Sanji was overcome with embarrassment. To make amends, Usopp handed him another Dial, promising it to be the right one. However, this one turned out to be filled with Luffy’s flatulence, adding to Sanji’s humiliation.

“My unrealistic wish is for live action One Piece and/or the new anime, they do G-8; in the case of the live action one that would definitely be a season starting episode and this would be a *great* way to start a season.”a fam added

“Very messed up that none of the One Piece fans I know ever mentioned the real 8th Straw Hat, Condoriano, without whom Luffy and the gang may never have escaped in the very canon anime only G-8 arc”another one added